February 12th, 2023, marked Super Bowl 57, and it was truly one for the books. The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Philadelphia Eagles at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona. This game had every fan on the edge of their seats. The score was back and forth throughout the whole game.

By the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied 7 to 7. Going into the second quarter the Eagles took the lead on their first play. During this, the Eagles quarterback launched an impressive 45-yard pass to his teammate AJ Brown, scoring them a touchdown and putting the Eagles in the lead, making the score 14 to 7.

The Chiefs appeared to gain their momentum back when Nick Bolton recovered a fumble, and they scored their second touchdown tying the score at 14 to 14. Philadelphia truly upped the game with their impressive offense placing them in the lead after another touchdown and a 3-point conversion. The final score ending the first half was 24 to 14, with Philadelphia in the lead.

Fans went crazy as Rihanna began her halftime show. Dressed in all red, with her hair in a high pony and carrying a surprise. The world was shocked as she proudly sported a new baby bump. Her backup dancers were fitted out in all white and wearing stylish sunglasses.

“I loved the performance, and it was a fun surprise that Rihanna unofficially announced her pregnancy,” OHS Senior Taylor Effertz said.

She featured 14 of her songs throughout the performance. This list included: “What’s My Name,” “B**** Better Have My Money,” “Where Have You Been,” “Only Girl in The World,” “We Found Love, S & M, Rude Boy,” “Work,” “Wild Thoughts,” “Pour it Up,” “All of the Lights,” “Run This Town,” “Umbrella” and “Diamonds.”

This is the first Super Bowl halftime show Rihanna has ever performed in, although she was offered the position in the past. She had turned them down because she was not pleased by the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick. As she said in a 2019 Vogue interview regarding why she chose to turn down the offers, “I didn’t want to be an enabler.”

Overall, fans were surprised, astonished and truly captivated by her powerful performance. But, Rihanna isn’t the only individual responsible for this excellent performance. Producers Jesse Collins and Roc Nation worked hard with the singer and backup dancers in order to ensure the performance was the best it could be. Also, this was the first halftime show in a decade not sponsored by Pepsi, instead, it was sponsored by Apple Music.

After the performance, the game continued. In the third quarter, Philadelphia managed to score a field goal, and Kansas City scored a touchdown. Making the final 3rd quarter score 27 to 21 favoring the Eagles. Moving into the fourth quarter the Chiefs pulled ahead, but the Eagles pulled through and tied the score at 35 to 35. The Chiefs scored the final points with a 27-yard game-winning field goal making the end score 38 to 35.

The Super Bowl is a huge cultural event in America, for football fans, and non-football fans. Many people only watch for the halftime show, or even just the great commercials.

“I watch for the commercials, the one with Miles Teller for Budlight was my favorite,” OHS Junior Haylie McConn said.

Some commercials that were fan favorites included (but weren’t limited to): Downy with Danny McBride, Popcorners starring “Breaking Bad” actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, Pringles with Meghan Trainor, and Bud Light starring Miles Teller and his wife.

Overall Super Bowl 57 was one to remember, the Chiefs took home the Win, Rihanna announced her pregnancy, and fans watching at home had the pleasure of enjoying all the commercials.